brushstroke
noun
brush·stroke
ˈbrəsh-ˌstrōk 
: the configuration given to paint by contact with the bristles of a brush
also
: the paint left on a surface by a single application of a brush or palette knife
—often used figuratively to describe the quality especially of a narrative or description
a story told in broad brushstrokes
Examples of brushstroke in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The actress stepped out in New York City wearing a billowy long-sleeve silk blouse with a brushstroke print and black wide-leg trousers with oversized front snap pockets and a D-ring belt.
—
Jamie Allison Sanders, People.com, 22 May 2025
The comment feels perfectly in character—a final brushstroke on the portrait of an actress-turned-filmmaker driven by uncompromising perfectionism.
—Lolita Mang, Vogue, 17 May 2025
All four legs have spindle accents, and the linen shade actually looks like whitewashing, with visible brushstrokes for a more distressed feel.
—Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 17 Apr. 2025
Because every act of giving is a brushstroke on someone else’s canvas.
—Rosemarie Truman, Forbes.com, 7 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for brushstroke
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Jamie Allison Sanders, People.com, 22 May 2025
The comment feels perfectly in character—a final brushstroke on the portrait of an actress-turned-filmmaker driven by uncompromising perfectionism.
—Lolita Mang, Vogue, 17 May 2025
All four legs have spindle accents, and the linen shade actually looks like whitewashing, with visible brushstrokes for a more distressed feel.
—Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 17 Apr. 2025
Because every act of giving is a brushstroke on someone else’s canvas.
—Rosemarie Truman, Forbes.com, 7 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for brushstroke
Cite this Entry
“Brushstroke.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brushstroke. Accessed 1 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share